Ask AI: write a short essay on the advantages of curriculum change from NCS to CAPS in South Africa. Use APA 7 referencing style and 2 references

Title: Advantages of Curriculum Change from NCS to CAPS in South Africa The South African education system experienced a significant transformation from the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). This shift marked a clear advancement in striving for educational excellence and the upliftment of learners' skills (Moodley, 2019). One of the significant advantages of CAPS over NCS lies in the area of structuring and presentation. While NCS was viewed as complicated due to its outcomes-based approach, the CAPS curriculum showed a more streamlined and simplified curriculum (Education.gov.za, 2011). CAPS offers a singular, comprehensive policy document per grade and subject, reducing any ambiguity experienced with NCS. This proves beneficial to teachers by providing clearer guidelines and aiding in planning lessons (Moodley, 2019). Secondly, CAPS promotes an increased focus on procedural knowledge, aiming to enhance learner's specific skills in each subject. Despite criticism from some quarters of the education system, arguing that this form might limit critical thinking, it's an important step in addressing the skills gap evident among learners (Education.gov.za, 2011). Lastly, CAPS demonstrated itself as an improvement over NCS in fostering equal access to education. Improved accessibility results from the more explicit expectations of learners in each grade, enhancing the ability of teachers to translate the curriculum effectively, further promoting the goal of basic education for all (Moodley, 2019). In conclusion, the shift from NCS to CAPS has offered a more simplified and structured approach to educational content, emphasised skill acquisition and promoted greater accessibility for all learners. References Education.gov.za. (2011). Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). Department of Basic Education. Available at: https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/CurriculumAssessmentPolicyStatements.aspx Moodley, S. (2019). From NCS to CAPS: An exploration of the curriculum change in Grade 10 life sciences at three schools. South African Journal of Education, 39(Supp 1), S1-S9.